We continue to see the flooring market evolve with the use of digital tools playing an increasingly important role for both homeowners and stockists alike.
Investing in new flooring is often a big decision, so it’s not surprising consumers want to see products in context using visualisation tools before making a purchase. Access to free sampling also helps them make the right choice in design and colour. Retailers also need more efficient ways to help with quoting both instore or on-site, as well as ensuring they have access to visualisation and sample ordering for their customers.
Whether it’s carpet, rugs or hard flooring, manufacturers and software vendors offer a variety of digital solutions that bridge the gap between inspiration and decision-making which is important in delivering a smooth customer journey.
Visualisation tools often offer a selection of room types for consumers to use; however, some manufacturers have taken this one step further by offering the option for consumers to upload their own image into the visualisation tool. The tools are now sophisticated enough to accurately visualise the flooring in situ, taking into account any shadows and furniture positioned in the room. Even the rotational direction of the pattern can be changed to provide alternative views. Some apps can also enable other interior décor to be adjusted, for example wall colours can be changed.
In addition, online visualisation tools provide access to stockists for additional information to help with quoting or design as well as having latest up to date designs, specifications and the integral facility to request samples. We are also seeing more enhancements to Apps with the use of an Application Programming Interface (API). This allows different software applications to communicate with each other enabling one application to request and exchange data or updates from another, to ensure retailer websites and estimating tools are updated with latest products from their suppliers.
Consumers are increasingly demanding a fast and efficient service from retailers. So, as well as helping them with flooring selection using digital visualisation tools & apps, retailers are expected to provide a fast and efficient estimating quotation service.
Marketing Insights caught up with Veeuze and MasterPiece Solutions, who both produce applications for the trade, providing visualisation and estimating solutions. assisting both homeowner and stockist alike.
VEEUZE are a leading provider of product visualisation and configuration solutions with the option of ready to use solutions to fully customised applications ideal for stockists and manufacturers to integrate into their own website.
Hanno Ritzerfeld, Head of Marketing from VEEUZE, discussed how technology is redefining how flooring is presented and sold.
“AI brings flooring design to life – with InteriorStudio, with the latest generation of AI-powered visualisation, released in October, the company’s flagship platform InteriorStudio lets customers and sales teams instantly see how different floors look in real rooms, including AI-generated design drafts in photos just taken or brought in by the customer.”
This innovation transforms product presentation into a true consultation experience whether online, in-store, or on the go via portable devices. The system automatically detects surfaces, lighting, and perspective to create realistic, precise visual results in seconds.
Hanno also pointed out “InteriorStudio integrates seamlessly into websites or can be implemented as a mobile app. Through our AssetCloud, which includes several APIs, it can also be integrated into other applications such as online shops, giving maximum flexibility allowing you to present your product visualisations wherever your customers are.”
For manufacturers and distributors, InteriorStudio provides a consistent, brand-controlled digital showroom. For retailers and consultants, it offers a mobile sales tool that bridges digital inspiration and real-world decision-making – helping customers choose faster and with more confidence. Combining visual impact with measurable results, VEEUZE turns digital product presentation into real sales opportunities – anytime, anywhere.
Covering both in-home and in-store, MasterPiece software offers the retailer a solution where modules of interest are picked up incrementally, to provide an integrated solution.
After an initial take up of measuring, planning and estimating, the retailer can incrementally pick up additional capabilities. Having the estimator able to rapidly quote in the home is a great feature, which both drives acceptances and saves time spent working out plans and quotes in the evening.
The in-store user loads new jobs and does post visit revisions at telephone speed. The ability to import and trace over a floor plan from RightMove or architects/builders PDF/CAD floor plans is highly valued, making MasterPiece also ideal for contract flooring projects. LVT estimating with a border becomes easy, with full Karndean, Amtico, Invictus and Moduleo product sets, also from suppliers such as Cormar, AW, Penthouse and Quickstep.
The integrated Scheduling Diary for measure visits and fittings is flooring specific: fitting event duration is automatically estimated, taking account of the fitter’s particular expertise. More than one fitting team can be deployed on a fit. The fitter sees their own tasking on mobile devices whilst also able to capture signature and photos. Integration with the estimating system extends to the handling of split fits. A simple dashboard is used to define the part fits; thereby a separate ‘info for fitter and warehouse’ is automatically produced; each can then be scheduled. This unique facility streamlines a process which has hitherto been messy and mistake prone.
Providing integration across different applications improves efficiency and time. Charles Pearson, Director at MasterPiece Systems points out that an interface with Xero, (the cloud-based accounting software) is now available. Details of a customer’s accepted quote can be passed into Xero thus providing the facility to use the Xero invoicing option later. For the estimator there is also the ability to capture photos and assign to rooms, as well as adding notes. Clauses set up in a library can be applied as appropriate to an estimate and/or fitting sheet. There is also a Simple Sales facility in the App, where no measuring is required.
It is clear that digital tools can make a huge difference in making the customer journey easier, from visualising designs, ordering samples, to estimating and invoicing. However, selecting the right tools for your business can be daunting, so here are a few pointers:
Questions Stockists Could Ask Manufacturers and Suppliers
- Does the manufacturer provide a mobile or desktop room visualiser suitable for homeowners and small-office environments?
- Can samples be ordered directly from the visualiser session, reducing time for customers?
- Is there a stockist/retailer portal giving access to product data, imagery, and pricing for residential/light-commercial sales?
- Are API (Application Programming Interface) or asset-cloud integrations available for linking with in-store quoting or measuring software?
- Can the visualiser integrate with estimating apps to generate instant quotes for clients?
- Does the system provide shortlists or AI-suggested sample options to reduce handling while still showing variety?
With a wealth of information at our fingertips and a host of tools available it’s important to ensure what each have to offer and how they can provide the best solution.
By leveraging these technologies, stockists can offer homeowners and commercial clients a consultative, engaging, and efficient sales experience — transforming inspiration into real sales opportunities.
by Rita Bancroft
Rita is Director of Bancmarketing Ltd and has over 30 years of marketing experience with a proven track record in both business to business and business to consumer multi-channel marketing.
For more information contact:
Masterpiece • 01737 355831 • masterpiece-system.com
VEEUZE • 020 3307 9993 • veeuze.com